PNACAC Statement on DACA Rescission

September 6, 2017

The Pacific Northwest Association of College Admission Counseling (PNACAC) joins NACAC and other affiliates in expressing its strong support for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, undocumented students and students from mixed-immigration status families despite the U.S. Department of Justice announcing that it would rescind the DACA policy. As an organization that believes in inclusivity and in a bright future for all of our students, the decision by President Trump and his administration to end DACA is divisive, regressive, and cruel and we believe this act will detrimentally impact our youth and negatively affect our educational environments.

As counselors at the high school and college level, we are concerned with the message that is being sent. We are inspired by the lives of young people and by their drive to be educated and an integral part of our society. Their desire to be productive citizens is no different than those who currently have citizenship. All of our students, regardless of their immigration status, are invaluable to our communities, our high schools, our community colleges, and our 4 year institutions. PNACAC has and will continue to support our students who wish for an education not only at the K-12 level but most certainly in higher education.

In the meantime, PNACAC will continue to look for ways to assist DACA students, undocumented students and students from mixed-immigration status families, as well as our members who work with our students confronting these challenging times. We agree with the many institutions of higher education in our region, and throughout the country, who are urging Congress to pass the bipartisan Dream Act or similar legislation that will allow our students to continue to contribute to the global competitive environment.

PNACAC encourages all members who are disheartened by this lamentable decision to join us in making your voice heard by contacting your lawmakers through the NACAC Legislative Center: http://bit.do/nacacletter or by writing your lawmakers directly. You may also contact your senators by texting RESIST to 50409.